Re: I/O vs. OB
I have had a '72 20' Seafari with an inline 150 Mercury outboard (same motor was later re-rated as the Mercury 140, but rated at the prop)
I have also extensively used a '73 Seafari with a Mercruiser 3.0L 140 hp I/O.
The outboard accelerated faster, planing about 1 second faster. Optimum cruise speed on the OB was about 27-28 mph at about 9 gph. Top speed was about 40-41 mph. Fishing offshore while anchored in the OB had the problem of water coming in the engine well and then down into the bilge through the cable boot. On the other hand, the OB Seafari can comfortably fish 4 people.
The sterndrive (with a brand new '83 motor) had a slightly smoother ride in a chop, and cruised at 26 mph, getting much better fuel economy at only 6 1/2 gph, and had a slightly higher top end of 44 mph. Fishing while anchored in the sterndrive brought no water in due to the full transom, but was comfortable for 2, 3 or 4 was slightly crowded because of the engine box.
Does this answer the question?
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Common Sense is learning from your mistakes. Wisdom is learning from the other guy's mistakes.
Fr. Frank says:
Jesus liked fishing, too. He even walked on water to get to the boat!
Currently without a SeaCraft 
(2) Pompano 12' fishing kayaks
'73 Cobia 18' prototype "Casting Skiff", 70hp Mercury
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